What do you think?
Rate this book
Marya Khan #1
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party
Perfect for fans of Ivy & Bean and Dory Fantasmagory, Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party is the start of a charming chapter book series from acclaimed author Saadia Faruqi about a Pakistani American third-grader whose plans may backfire but whose persistence and heart are inspiring.
Marya’s eighth birthday is coming up in a week, and all she wants is an over-the-top birthday party just like the ones Alexa, her rich neighbor, always throws. When Alexa parades into school with fancy invitations, Marya can’t help herself—she claims that she’s having the most epic henna party ever. Now she has to convince her family to make it happen.
Enter Operation Help the Khans! Marya’s siblings clearly need help with their projects. Maybe she could cook dinner for her parents, or clean her grandmother’s room? Except everything Marya does seems to end in disaster. Will Marya and her family be able pull it together and throw the best party ever?!
Featuring black-and-white illustrations by Ani Bushry and a selection of henna designs to trace and color.
Marya’s eighth birthday is coming up in a week, and all she wants is an over-the-top birthday party just like the ones Alexa, her rich neighbor, always throws. When Alexa parades into school with fancy invitations, Marya can’t help herself—she claims that she’s having the most epic henna party ever. Now she has to convince her family to make it happen.
Enter Operation Help the Khans! Marya’s siblings clearly need help with their projects. Maybe she could cook dinner for her parents, or clean her grandmother’s room? Except everything Marya does seems to end in disaster. Will Marya and her family be able pull it together and throw the best party ever?!
Featuring black-and-white illustrations by Ani Bushry and a selection of henna designs to trace and color.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2022
8 people are currently reading
236 people want to read
About the author
Saadia Faruqi
141 books482 followersSaadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American author, essayist and interfaith activist. She writes the children’s early reader series “Yasmin” published by Capstone and other books for children, including middle grade novels “A Place At The Table” (HMH/Clarion 2020) co-written with Laura Shovan, and “A Thousand Questions” (Harper Collins 2020). She has also written “Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan” a short story collection for adults and teens. Saadia is editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose, and was featured in Oprah Magazine in 2017 as a woman making a difference in her community. She resides in Houston, TX with her husband and children.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
December 12, 2024
Marya is whiny and insufferable.
I don't know if her heart was ever really in the right place when it came to Operation Help the Khans. Her friend even pointed out that she didn't like helping their teacher with basic classroom tasks. Marya goes out of her way to help her family members so that she can get the party of her dreams.
She's also embarrassed of her family and her mom's business. And says that she doesn't care about her sister because she doesn't hang out with Marya anymore.
Not a fan at all.
*Edited to add: this says for fans of Ivy & Bean. I also detest Ivy and Bean 😂
I don't know if her heart was ever really in the right place when it came to Operation Help the Khans. Her friend even pointed out that she didn't like helping their teacher with basic classroom tasks. Marya goes out of her way to help her family members so that she can get the party of her dreams.
She's also embarrassed of her family and her mom's business. And says that she doesn't care about her sister because she doesn't hang out with Marya anymore.
Not a fan at all.
*Edited to add: this says for fans of Ivy & Bean. I also detest Ivy and Bean 😂
April 10, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the voice and playfulness of this 144 page early chapter book. Mary Khan is a hoot as she navigates third grade, her Pakistani-American family, and the politics of birthday parties. There is not a lot of Islam sprinkled in, save a few salaams, but the mom and Dadi wear hijab which is mentioned in the text and in the illustrations. Culture is presented warmly and her current stresses are not tied to her faith or background. There is mention of witches and churrails, and she calls her sister one too, some lying, and numerous over the top efforts to be helpful as "Operation Help the Khans" is put in to action. Nothing a first or second grader won't be able to handle or understand, and a great series in between the author's Yasmin books and her Must Love Pets series.
SYNOPSIS:
Marya's birthday is two days after her neighbor Alexa's, her rich spoiled neighbor who is also in her class, and in her seating group. The youngest of three kids Marya often feels that no one listens to her, and her wanting a birthday party this year, is met with the same dismissal in her eyes. Aliya is a teenager and Salman, who she calls Sal to her grandmother's chagrin, is in 5th grade, so Marya often finds herself hiding out in her Dadi's room watching dramas in Urdu that she doesn't really understand. When she sees a birthday on the screen with henna, a band, and an elephant, Marya doesn't want just any old party, she wants it all.
Every year Marya's best friend Hana comes over for pizza, cake, and a sleepover, but when Alexa hands out beautiful invitations to everyone at school, Marya says she too is having a party, a henna party. Hana knows something is up, but it is full steam ahead for Marya as she devises a plan to convince her family to allow it to happen. With her mom's flower shop busy with an upcoming wedding, there are lots of ways that Marya can help around the house, and then her family will have to let her, right? If only something could work out as Marya plans. Then to top it all off, Marya starts to feel bad for the annoying Alexa and in a moment of kindness invites her to her party. It will just be boring pizza and cake, but if Marya can be nice to Alexa, perhaps anything is possible, and there might be more surprises in store for them all.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the vocabulary calendar words thrown in and the fertilizer smell that permeates all. The story line might not be the most unique, but the silly disasters and the spunk of Marya make her endearing and the book enjoyable. I love that the stress isn't her culture or religion, she is a Pakistani American Muslim and she has concerns that all kids have, everywhere. I also love that the mom owns her own flower shop and is passionate and successful in her work.
One thing I didn't quite get was why henna is called henna in the book and not mendhi? There are desi food names included, I wish it would have also maybe had a conversation in the book explaining that it is called mendhi in Urdu, but they are calling it henna. I love that Dadi doesn't like Salman's name getting shortened and that mom's hijab is remarked upon in a normative way.
I probably shouldn't like the comments that Marya makes about her sister, but I laughed, and yes she is cheeky, but it is funny and love filled, I hope. She also makes mean comments about Alexa, but the growth arc shows improvement and reads real.
SYNOPSIS:
Marya's birthday is two days after her neighbor Alexa's, her rich spoiled neighbor who is also in her class, and in her seating group. The youngest of three kids Marya often feels that no one listens to her, and her wanting a birthday party this year, is met with the same dismissal in her eyes. Aliya is a teenager and Salman, who she calls Sal to her grandmother's chagrin, is in 5th grade, so Marya often finds herself hiding out in her Dadi's room watching dramas in Urdu that she doesn't really understand. When she sees a birthday on the screen with henna, a band, and an elephant, Marya doesn't want just any old party, she wants it all.
Every year Marya's best friend Hana comes over for pizza, cake, and a sleepover, but when Alexa hands out beautiful invitations to everyone at school, Marya says she too is having a party, a henna party. Hana knows something is up, but it is full steam ahead for Marya as she devises a plan to convince her family to allow it to happen. With her mom's flower shop busy with an upcoming wedding, there are lots of ways that Marya can help around the house, and then her family will have to let her, right? If only something could work out as Marya plans. Then to top it all off, Marya starts to feel bad for the annoying Alexa and in a moment of kindness invites her to her party. It will just be boring pizza and cake, but if Marya can be nice to Alexa, perhaps anything is possible, and there might be more surprises in store for them all.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the vocabulary calendar words thrown in and the fertilizer smell that permeates all. The story line might not be the most unique, but the silly disasters and the spunk of Marya make her endearing and the book enjoyable. I love that the stress isn't her culture or religion, she is a Pakistani American Muslim and she has concerns that all kids have, everywhere. I also love that the mom owns her own flower shop and is passionate and successful in her work.
One thing I didn't quite get was why henna is called henna in the book and not mendhi? There are desi food names included, I wish it would have also maybe had a conversation in the book explaining that it is called mendhi in Urdu, but they are calling it henna. I love that Dadi doesn't like Salman's name getting shortened and that mom's hijab is remarked upon in a normative way.
I probably shouldn't like the comments that Marya makes about her sister, but I laughed, and yes she is cheeky, but it is funny and love filled, I hope. She also makes mean comments about Alexa, but the growth arc shows improvement and reads real.
October 28, 2022
This was so cute and healing to read :') I would have loved to read this when I was a kid!! Faruqi does a great job portraying a warm & loving Pakistani family and Marya, a kid who just wants to have a cool birthday party.
May 8, 2023
I really enjoyed this! It’s such a great lesson in not letting jealousy get in the way of reason. You never know what someone else is going through or why they do certain things, so maybe don’t judge so harshly or make snap decisions out of jealousy.
September 5, 2022
I love this adorable book by Saadia Faruqi. Marya is such a lovable character and so relatable! She wants to throw a big birthday party but her family insists on keeping it a small family birthday party. She's jealous of her neighbor's extravagant birthday parties but in the end she realizes what's really important! Absolutely love it!
September 17, 2025
"Sucked big time", lying, peer pressure, unhealthy sibling relationships
Redeeming end, but would need to discuss with young child or hand over to a discerning reader.
Redeeming end, but would need to discuss with young child or hand over to a discerning reader.
August 10, 2022
4.5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
DRC recieved through Edelweiss Plus.
SYNOPSIS:
Marya Khan, an eight-year-old third grader, has her birthday coming up next week and all she wants is to throw an extravagant party like her rival, Alexa, who is her next-door rich neighbor. At school, Alexa boasts about her upcoming birthday party. Marya, unable to hold herself, tells her she's having a wonderful henna party as well - imagining a party she saw on a Pakistani drama on her Dadi's (grandma's) tv. Marya's attempts to convince her parents to throw a big party fail. She comes up with a plan, "Operation Help the Khans." Marya helps her siblings, her parents, and her Dadi but everything she does turns out terribly wrong, and her plan backfires. Can she pull out a henna birthday party she always dreams about?
MY REVIEW:
Growing up, brown/Muslim/desi characters had little to no representation in books. Authors like Saadia Faruqi are making the change we wanted to see in books for the future generations. This is more of an elementary school book than her usual middle school story which I expected, yet this didn't disappoint me. This was epic and fun-filled with amusing characters. This charmingly penned story was a delight to read!
Age: 8-10
Page count: 144
DRC recieved through Edelweiss Plus.
SYNOPSIS:
Marya Khan, an eight-year-old third grader, has her birthday coming up next week and all she wants is to throw an extravagant party like her rival, Alexa, who is her next-door rich neighbor. At school, Alexa boasts about her upcoming birthday party. Marya, unable to hold herself, tells her she's having a wonderful henna party as well - imagining a party she saw on a Pakistani drama on her Dadi's (grandma's) tv. Marya's attempts to convince her parents to throw a big party fail. She comes up with a plan, "Operation Help the Khans." Marya helps her siblings, her parents, and her Dadi but everything she does turns out terribly wrong, and her plan backfires. Can she pull out a henna birthday party she always dreams about?
MY REVIEW:
Growing up, brown/Muslim/desi characters had little to no representation in books. Authors like Saadia Faruqi are making the change we wanted to see in books for the future generations. This is more of an elementary school book than her usual middle school story which I expected, yet this didn't disappoint me. This was epic and fun-filled with amusing characters. This charmingly penned story was a delight to read!
Age: 8-10
Page count: 144
November 12, 2022
E Arc provided by Edelweiss Plus
Marya is in the third grade and has a very good friend in Hanna, although she is frequently at odds with Alexa, who lives next door, but has a much bigger and fancier house. Marya loves her family, which includes her mother, who works with plants and drives a delivery van that smells like fertilizer (aka poop), father, brother, grandmother Dadi, and older sister Aliyah, but feels they don't support her. When Alexa invites her to a birthday party, Marya gets the idea to have a fancy henna party and invite everyone from her class. The only problem? Her mother has a wedding the weekend of her birthday, and tells Marya it is out of the question. After telling Alexa that a party is in the works but swearing her to secrecy, Marya formulates a plan to help members of her family so much that they are willing to have a party for her. This doesn't go well, as she ruins her sister's perfume bottle and brother's Lego creation, snoops in Dadi's room and angers her, and even manages to fall asleep with a casserole in the oven and ends up causing a small fire. Her mother knows she means well, but still says no to a party. Her father takes her shopping for a gift for Alexa, and she attends the party. Even though it is very fancy, she doesn't see Alexa or her parents around. She sees clues that neither Alexa's mother or father will be at the party, and finds a dejected Alexa hiding. Alexa admits that her parents aren't supportive, but Marya says she should enjoy the party anyway, and come to Marya's small pizza events with Hanna. When the girls gather for a small party, Marya's family surprise her with a smaller version of her incredible party idea.
Strengths: This is a great beginning chapter book for fans of Sheth's Nina Soni, and this author's Yasmin series. The family dynamics are interesting and supportive, even if Marya can be hard to live with. Her obsession with the birthday party is relatable, and it was good to see that even though she and Alexa aren't friends, she soon realizes that she doesn't really have any issues with Alexa, and the two learn to get along. Marya also realizes that having a bigger house doesn't necessarily lead to a better life.
Weaknesses: A cream of mushroom soup casserole would have to be in the over at 350 for a heck of a long time before it would catch on fire, although it certainly made the book more interesting. (It would more likely just become somewhat fossilized, but that doesn't make for as good a story, and I am not going to immolate a casserole to fact check this!)
What I really think: This was a fun book for elementary school students, but I will stick to this author's A Thousand Questions , A Place at the Table (with Laura Shovan), and Yusuf Azeem is not a Hero for middle school.
Marya is in the third grade and has a very good friend in Hanna, although she is frequently at odds with Alexa, who lives next door, but has a much bigger and fancier house. Marya loves her family, which includes her mother, who works with plants and drives a delivery van that smells like fertilizer (aka poop), father, brother, grandmother Dadi, and older sister Aliyah, but feels they don't support her. When Alexa invites her to a birthday party, Marya gets the idea to have a fancy henna party and invite everyone from her class. The only problem? Her mother has a wedding the weekend of her birthday, and tells Marya it is out of the question. After telling Alexa that a party is in the works but swearing her to secrecy, Marya formulates a plan to help members of her family so much that they are willing to have a party for her. This doesn't go well, as she ruins her sister's perfume bottle and brother's Lego creation, snoops in Dadi's room and angers her, and even manages to fall asleep with a casserole in the oven and ends up causing a small fire. Her mother knows she means well, but still says no to a party. Her father takes her shopping for a gift for Alexa, and she attends the party. Even though it is very fancy, she doesn't see Alexa or her parents around. She sees clues that neither Alexa's mother or father will be at the party, and finds a dejected Alexa hiding. Alexa admits that her parents aren't supportive, but Marya says she should enjoy the party anyway, and come to Marya's small pizza events with Hanna. When the girls gather for a small party, Marya's family surprise her with a smaller version of her incredible party idea.
Strengths: This is a great beginning chapter book for fans of Sheth's Nina Soni, and this author's Yasmin series. The family dynamics are interesting and supportive, even if Marya can be hard to live with. Her obsession with the birthday party is relatable, and it was good to see that even though she and Alexa aren't friends, she soon realizes that she doesn't really have any issues with Alexa, and the two learn to get along. Marya also realizes that having a bigger house doesn't necessarily lead to a better life.
Weaknesses: A cream of mushroom soup casserole would have to be in the over at 350 for a heck of a long time before it would catch on fire, although it certainly made the book more interesting. (It would more likely just become somewhat fossilized, but that doesn't make for as good a story, and I am not going to immolate a casserole to fact check this!)
What I really think: This was a fun book for elementary school students, but I will stick to this author's A Thousand Questions , A Place at the Table (with Laura Shovan), and Yusuf Azeem is not a Hero for middle school.
April 21, 2022
This truly might be my new favorite chapter book series! I was giggling while reading and my inner child felt happy while reading this book❤️
Genre: Chapter Book
Ages: 6-10
Available: Amazon for preorder! (Releases Oct 2022)
Screening: birthdays/music mentioned
Marya’s birthday is coming up, and it falls right on the same weekend as Alexa‘s birthday. Alexa always has the best party in the neighborhood, and she make sure to brag about it to all her friends at school. She wears the fanciest dresses, has the biggest house, and always messes up the perfect desk square for Marya at school. Marya really wants to be cool for once and so she lies and tells Alexa that her family is having a huge birthday party for her with henna and elephants and a band. The reality is that she can’t convince her parents to host a party even after trying hard to be perfect (she almost burns down the house with her cooking attempts lol). But after going to Alexa’s big birthday party and realizing that her parents weren’t even there, Marya realizes how lucky she is and appreciates that her family is loving and caring and that is a true gift in itself!
This book was hilarious!!!! Marya is totally relatable to the average kid who really wants something and tries to convince their parents of it but manages to mess everything up in the process. Marya’s lie to be cool reminded me of a lie I once said as a kid, that I had a cool video game console at home (when in reality I had no interest in video games at all and I was just trying to get some cool points in front of my class lool)🙈 I am truly hoping none of my classmates see this post as I don’t think my lie was ever exposed😂
Regardless of my past stories, this story really made my inner child pop out and is sure to be relatable and fun to any young elementary kid! I love the cuteness of the characters and the family is very clearly Muslim, with a hijab worn by the mom and Salaams said, but I appreciate how the Islamic identity was not a crisis and it was just a normal Muslim girl living her life and being so adorable!
So heartwarming to see Muslim rep in chapter books and i can’t wait for more from Marya❤️❤️
Genre: Chapter Book
Ages: 6-10
Available: Amazon for preorder! (Releases Oct 2022)
Screening: birthdays/music mentioned
Marya’s birthday is coming up, and it falls right on the same weekend as Alexa‘s birthday. Alexa always has the best party in the neighborhood, and she make sure to brag about it to all her friends at school. She wears the fanciest dresses, has the biggest house, and always messes up the perfect desk square for Marya at school. Marya really wants to be cool for once and so she lies and tells Alexa that her family is having a huge birthday party for her with henna and elephants and a band. The reality is that she can’t convince her parents to host a party even after trying hard to be perfect (she almost burns down the house with her cooking attempts lol). But after going to Alexa’s big birthday party and realizing that her parents weren’t even there, Marya realizes how lucky she is and appreciates that her family is loving and caring and that is a true gift in itself!
This book was hilarious!!!! Marya is totally relatable to the average kid who really wants something and tries to convince their parents of it but manages to mess everything up in the process. Marya’s lie to be cool reminded me of a lie I once said as a kid, that I had a cool video game console at home (when in reality I had no interest in video games at all and I was just trying to get some cool points in front of my class lool)🙈 I am truly hoping none of my classmates see this post as I don’t think my lie was ever exposed😂
Regardless of my past stories, this story really made my inner child pop out and is sure to be relatable and fun to any young elementary kid! I love the cuteness of the characters and the family is very clearly Muslim, with a hijab worn by the mom and Salaams said, but I appreciate how the Islamic identity was not a crisis and it was just a normal Muslim girl living her life and being so adorable!
So heartwarming to see Muslim rep in chapter books and i can’t wait for more from Marya❤️❤️
Read
July 6, 2022Birthdays are a big deal when you are 8 years old! Especially when your sort-of-rival classmate’s birthday is just before yours, and she gets to throw a big party, but you don’t! Marya so badly wants her own big party that she starts telling people it’s going to happen. But first she’ll have to actually convince her family (Mama, Baba, Dadi and her older siblings). Will she get the party of her dreams?
Saadia Faruqi captures the essence of what birthday and friendships feel like for an 8 year old! The story will help young readers consider the idea that they don’t always know what goes on in other people’s houses and how sometimes we can take for granted all the things we have that are worth being grateful for.
I loved how the opening chapter set the tone for what Marya’s family was like. It was masterfully written like a TV Pilot episode, setting you up to understand and love the characters. This beautifully contrasted the family circumstances revealed at Alexa’s house during her birthday party in a way that will give readers lots to think about and discuss.
Ani Bushry does a fantastic job with illustrations that contribute to the storytelling in an eye-catching way.
Thankful that #LitReviewCrew received an ARC and that I got to be the first to read it.
You’ll want to add it
to your classroom, home, and school libraries come October!
Saadia Faruqi captures the essence of what birthday and friendships feel like for an 8 year old! The story will help young readers consider the idea that they don’t always know what goes on in other people’s houses and how sometimes we can take for granted all the things we have that are worth being grateful for.
I loved how the opening chapter set the tone for what Marya’s family was like. It was masterfully written like a TV Pilot episode, setting you up to understand and love the characters. This beautifully contrasted the family circumstances revealed at Alexa’s house during her birthday party in a way that will give readers lots to think about and discuss.
Ani Bushry does a fantastic job with illustrations that contribute to the storytelling in an eye-catching way.
Thankful that #LitReviewCrew received an ARC and that I got to be the first to read it.
You’ll want to add it
to your classroom, home, and school libraries come October!
January 1, 2023
First Sentence: It wasn't fair that my birthday party was exactly two days after Alexa R.'s. "Why couldn't I have been born a little early?" I groaned at breakfast on Monday.
Premise/plot: Marya Khan is about to turn eight. But her birthday party doesn't feel like a party. At least not in comparison. Her parents think an appropriate party includes inviting over a best friend, getting pizza, and watching a movie. Marya Khan dreams a little bigger. A LOT bigger. Something perhaps even bigger and better than her neighbor-and-classmate, Alexa, will have. Her storytelling gets a little out of control and catches the attention of Alexa who believes Marya really is having this awesome party--a henna party. Can Marya convince her parents to throw her a big(ger) party in just a few days???? Or will she be caught out in her lie????
My thoughts: I really loved this one. It was such a great early chapter book. I loved meeting Marya and her family. I loved meeting her friends. I loved how the tense relationship between Alexa and Marya was explored. [Marya is more than a little jealous. But Alexa doesn't seem to have any negative, mean feelings about her.] I loved that this story shows the importance of empathy. Lest you think it is all about morals and lessons, this one offers some humor as well.
Premise/plot: Marya Khan is about to turn eight. But her birthday party doesn't feel like a party. At least not in comparison. Her parents think an appropriate party includes inviting over a best friend, getting pizza, and watching a movie. Marya Khan dreams a little bigger. A LOT bigger. Something perhaps even bigger and better than her neighbor-and-classmate, Alexa, will have. Her storytelling gets a little out of control and catches the attention of Alexa who believes Marya really is having this awesome party--a henna party. Can Marya convince her parents to throw her a big(ger) party in just a few days???? Or will she be caught out in her lie????
My thoughts: I really loved this one. It was such a great early chapter book. I loved meeting Marya and her family. I loved meeting her friends. I loved how the tense relationship between Alexa and Marya was explored. [Marya is more than a little jealous. But Alexa doesn't seem to have any negative, mean feelings about her.] I loved that this story shows the importance of empathy. Lest you think it is all about morals and lessons, this one offers some humor as well.
November 14, 2023
Marya is turning 8 and she wants an incredible henna party with everyone in her class, music, tons of food, and sparkle lights in the backyard. Her neighbor and classmate Alexa, has the best party every year because they have tons of money, and even worse, Alexa's birthday is only 2 days before Marya's.
Every year Marya gets to have her best friend Hanna over for pizza and a movie, but never gets to have a party and she wants that to change this year. Eventually, after nearly burning the house down by mistake, she accepts that she is not going to get her party. At Alexa's party, she notices that Alexa's mom and dad are not there and finds Alexa crying behind the couch. She decides to invite her over for pizza and a movie with Hanna and maybe they can all be friends.
Marya does end up getting henna from her sister and Alexa and Hanna get to join in the fun too. This was a really cute story about a Pakistani family who were doing their best. Marya also learned a valuable lesson that you don't need a lot of money and a giant party to have a good birthday, you just need your loved ones to celebrate with you.
Every year Marya gets to have her best friend Hanna over for pizza and a movie, but never gets to have a party and she wants that to change this year. Eventually, after nearly burning the house down by mistake, she accepts that she is not going to get her party. At Alexa's party, she notices that Alexa's mom and dad are not there and finds Alexa crying behind the couch. She decides to invite her over for pizza and a movie with Hanna and maybe they can all be friends.
Marya does end up getting henna from her sister and Alexa and Hanna get to join in the fun too. This was a really cute story about a Pakistani family who were doing their best. Marya also learned a valuable lesson that you don't need a lot of money and a giant party to have a good birthday, you just need your loved ones to celebrate with you.
November 27, 2024
This is a heartwarming and engaging story that beautifully captures the essence of friendship, cultural traditions, and the joys of childhood. The book follows the spirited and imaginative Marya Khanas she plans an unforgettable henna party to celebrate her birthday. Farqi's storytelling is both vibrant and relatable, making it easy for young readers to connect with Marya's excitement and determination. The narrative is filled with cultural richness, introducing readers to the art of henna and the significance of such celebrations in a way that is both educational and entertaining. Marya's character is wonderfully crafted, showcasing her creativity, resilience, and the importance of family and community. The detailed artwork brings Marya's world to life, capturing the beauty of the henna designs and the festive atmosphere of the party. This book is a excellent read that not only entertains but also offers a glimpse into cultural traditions that may be new to some readers. Marya Khan and the incredible henna party is a celebration of friendship, diversity, and the magic of special moments shared with loved ones.
December 8, 2022
Marya is determined to have a Henna party. Marya and Alexa are next-door neighbors. They are both in the third grade. They sit across from each other at the same table at school. Every year Alexa has something Marya doesn't - a birthday party. Determined that things will be different this year, Marya comes up with a plan to have a Henna party. What could go wrong with her plans? What does Marya learn when she has an unexpected encounter with Alexa, her adversary?
In addition to a story that can easily engage readers young and old, author Saadia Faruqi includes a vocabulary word with fitting a definition for each of the twelve chapters. The delightful illustrations by Ani Bushry enhance this 5-star book.
In addition to a story that can easily engage readers young and old, author Saadia Faruqi includes a vocabulary word with fitting a definition for each of the twelve chapters. The delightful illustrations by Ani Bushry enhance this 5-star book.
July 28, 2022
This early chapter book hits all the right notes: the emotions of being in grade 3, the pain of sharing your birthday with someone you don’t really like, trying your best to have it just not quite work out, but having it all come together in a positive way for our relatable protagonist. At 12 chapters, this would be a perfect read aloud for grade 2-4, or an independent read for someone ready for something beyond Branches/Acorn type books.
Note: birthdays and birthday parties are central to this story, so consider the fit of doing this as a read aloud as some cultures and religions don’t celebrate birthdays.
Note: birthdays and birthday parties are central to this story, so consider the fit of doing this as a read aloud as some cultures and religions don’t celebrate birthdays.
November 8, 2022
3.5 stars.
A really solid addition to the realistic fiction world of elementary school. Marya despairs of ever having a "real" birthday party. Her family always celebrates, but it's nothing compared to her classmate Alyssa's all-out bashes. There's a lot of good bits here: best friend Hannah is both supportive and realistic, Marya's family relationships are both loving and full of familiar irritation, Marya compares herself to Alyssa and learns how unproductive that is, and there's some nice empathy-building along the way.
I already love Yasmin, and Marya will be a great companion.
A really solid addition to the realistic fiction world of elementary school. Marya despairs of ever having a "real" birthday party. Her family always celebrates, but it's nothing compared to her classmate Alyssa's all-out bashes. There's a lot of good bits here: best friend Hannah is both supportive and realistic, Marya's family relationships are both loving and full of familiar irritation, Marya compares herself to Alyssa and learns how unproductive that is, and there's some nice empathy-building along the way.
I already love Yasmin, and Marya will be a great companion.
November 28, 2022
This little book will be perfect for my Fun Fast Fiction section full of short chapter books for newly independent readers. Marya is jealous of her spoiled next door neighbor, Alexa, who has almost the same birthday, but who always has a spectacular party. Marya always just has family and her best friend Hanna. She comes up with an idea to have a henna party, but now she has to somehow convince her family to do it for her. Marya has two older siblings, and her grandmother (Dadi) lives in the home as well. While this story offers a glimpse into a different cultural background, it remains universal and accessible - any kid, in any country can recognize bits of Marya in themselves.
October 28, 2023
Marya Khan is dreaming of having a big birthday party- with fairy lights, a band, henna decorating, an elephant…
Ok maybe not the elephant.
She just has to convince her family she deserves a more impressive party than her next door neighbour and arch nemesis Alexa. Only problem is, Marya has never had a party before. Surely she can convince her parents with her powers of persuasion and excellent ‘Operation Help the Khans’ plan.
I love the sweet illustrations, font size, ‘word of the day’ chapters and story centred on a Pakistani American family. Marya is a great multi dimensional character and the relationship depictions are realistic and relatable.
Ok maybe not the elephant.
She just has to convince her family she deserves a more impressive party than her next door neighbour and arch nemesis Alexa. Only problem is, Marya has never had a party before. Surely she can convince her parents with her powers of persuasion and excellent ‘Operation Help the Khans’ plan.
I love the sweet illustrations, font size, ‘word of the day’ chapters and story centred on a Pakistani American family. Marya is a great multi dimensional character and the relationship depictions are realistic and relatable.
June 12, 2022
It's fitting that there's a reference to Ramona Quimby in this first book in a new middle grade series from Faruqi. Marya Khan reminded me of Ramona as she tries to do the right thing AND make her dreams come true. She doesn't mean to cause chaos, but her good intentions don't always work out the way she planned. Faruqi also sets a high bar, creating a unique Pakistani-American Muslim character while telling a universal third-grade friendship story. I predict that Marya's stories will join Ramona's as classics.
February 16, 2023
What a fun chapter book! I loved how difficult Marya was with her envy of her classmate and boasting over having a big birthday bash of her own. She's just a kid who is struggling with her emotions and how to make good choices, but is trying really hard to figure things out. Her antics trying to convince her family and "help out" so that they'll agree to the birthday plans go hilariously wrong, and provide a lot of humor for the story, plus there's just a lot of heart to the way it ends. I'd definitely recommend this book and am looking forward to more volumes in the series!
March 22, 2023
First off- how GREAT is this cover? This is an easy "sell" to my students in the library- fans of Ivy & Bean, Ramona, Princess in Black- they all go for this series, and love it!
I think that Marya is very relatable to kids- and her misadventures help show that even when we make mistakes, we can find solutions!
Great for grades 3-4, and the addition of pictures throughout makes this a very popular chapter book.
I think that Marya is very relatable to kids- and her misadventures help show that even when we make mistakes, we can find solutions!
Great for grades 3-4, and the addition of pictures throughout makes this a very popular chapter book.
March 29, 2023
Simple to read realistic fiction with a story that lots of kids will relate to, about wanting a more extravagant birthday celebration to compete with a classmate. Great message about materialism, priorities, and making mistakes/cleaning up from them. Strong supportive extended family, discussion of class (family is not in financial trouble but is very frugal).
https://twitter.com/towntaker/status/...
https://twitter.com/towntaker/status/...
June 12, 2023
Derp. I was so hopeful I would be a HUGE fan of this series. But.....I found Marya a terribly frustrating protagonist who whined too much, who only was happy when she got her way (getting a compromise of what she wanted for her party and what her family would give her)
It is SO amazing to have Pakistani and Muslim representation for younger, beginning readers. And yes, I might peruse others in the series to see if Marya gets better.
It is SO amazing to have Pakistani and Muslim representation for younger, beginning readers. And yes, I might peruse others in the series to see if Marya gets better.
November 15, 2023
A good series to start for beginners specially for girls who have started attending schools. The story has many things to teach the kids: unnecessary distractions and materialistic competition do not matter much at the end of the day when you have a loving family. A big lesson in this story would be that it’s not okay to assume things and also time to let the child know the grass is always greener on the other side.
May 30, 2022
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this ultra cute book. A little bit of Pakistani culture shines through. The illustrations are cute and help young readers imagine the story better. The themes of family, growing up, and jealousy can be discussed as well. I will definitely order copies for our school and classroom libraries.
August 28, 2022
The first book in this early chapter book series about 8-year-old Marya Khan is cute, playful, and at times, emotional. I think Marya's problems and stresses are extremely relatable to any child and are realistically presented. I felt so much like a kid again myself while reading this. I can't wait to read this out loud with my daughter!
September 20, 2022
Cute story for the elementary age set about a Pakastani American girl who just wants a party as fancy as the girl next door. The illustrations were cute, and this would be a good book to recommend to someone who likes Ramona Quimby. (Ramona books are mentioned here!) Also for fans of Ways to Make Sunshine and Alvin Ho.
October 23, 2022
Marya is a strong and determined eight-year-old who wants to have a birthday party to top that of her rival, Alexa. But things don’t go quite the way she plans. Marya’s strong, spunky personality will keep you entertained throughout the story and kids will be able to relate to her emotional ups and downs, and funny antics. I love the playful and expressive illustrations as well!
February 24, 2023
Maria Khan, a third-grade character who handles life challenges with determination and heart, has quickly become a favorite among my students. Fans of Ivy and Bean and Zoey and Sassafras will fall in love with this new chapter book series..
Thank you Abrams-Amulet Books and NetGalley for the Arc.
Thank you Abrams-Amulet Books and NetGalley for the Arc.
March 13, 2023
Marya Khan is perfect for fans of Jo Jo Makoons and Ivy & Bean. Readers will find much to relate with her getting jealous of others having more than her or getting to do more than hers. They'll laugh at the extent of what she'll do to get what she wants especially as they tend to not work out the way she plans. Also introduces lots of great vocabulary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews